Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

21,808releases indexed
39,350attachments found
29.7avg calendar days
8,078partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-05-18newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,078 unclear 7,197 not held 3,057 released 1,536 already published 668 cost limit 606 clarification 348 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4909 s.20 4258 s.34(1) 3570 s.39(2) 3460 s.30 2869 s.17(1) 2765 s.25(1) 2372 s.10(4) 1974 s.11(2) 1562 s.29(1) 1171 s.2 1152 s.3 905

Timeline

2026-05 355 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589 2026-01 479 2025-12 177 2025-11 263 2025-10 217

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,275 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 963 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 919 releases · 31.1 avg days Learning Directorate 860 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 726 releases · 40.0 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 632 releases · 25.8 avg days
Clear
2,148 matching releases

Correspondence relating to Nicola Sturgeon's proposed appearance at the Science Festival: FOI release

Copies of ministerial and official correspondence, documents, briefing notes prepared etc relating to Nicola Sturgeon's proposed appearance at the Science Festival on 6th April. Details of any correspondence relating to her decision to drop out from the event on the 6th. Copies of ministerial and official correspondenc...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2024-01-04
Reference
202300351558
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence regarding modern apprenticeships: FOI release

Since January 1st 2023: All correspondence between the minister for higher education and skills development Scotland regarding modern apprenticeships

FOI partially withheld 90 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.30 2 attachments
Published
2024-01-04
Reference
202300352683
Directorate
Lifelong Learning and Skills Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Shipping of Scottish exports to international and EU markets: FOI release

Any Scottish Government discussion/analysis (23rd June 2016 – date) on the question of how Scottish exports are shipped to international and EU markets. In particular, the question of how much is shipped directly from Scotland vs how much ships via the rest of the UK. Slide decks/briefing notes/data tables are the main...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.29(1) s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.33(1) 20 attachments
Published
2024-01-03
Reference
202300340332
Directorate
Chief Economist Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Angus Robertson’s attendance of the Arctic Frontiers conference: FOI release

All briefing documents prepared in advance of Cabinet Secretary Angus Robertson’s attendance of the Arctic Frontiers conference held in Tromsø, Norway, 31 January – 3 February 2023, and all notes of meetings/panels which the Cabinet Secretary participated in during the conference.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.32(1) s.33(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2024-01-03
Reference
202300342130
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Ministerial appointments to the Cairngorms National Park Authority board: FOI release

What evidence was provided (in the form of emails, telephone calls, documents, messages, including by WhatsApp, Snapchat and text) to the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity - to allow her to determine that the skills of current Ministerial Appointments to the Cairngorms National Park Authority...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.22 22 attachments
Published
2024-01-03
Reference
202300344896
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Police Scotland 'DUMY' Process: FOI release

When the Scottish Government first learned that Police Scotland and legacy police forces were using the ‘DUMY Process’ which marked calls as registered on an internal system that it had been passed to officers but instead were parked on a list which meant they were not viewed as high priority and in some cases not atte...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2024-01-03
Reference
202300349354
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Prison Service mobile phones for prisoners: FOI release

Whether any value for money review has been conducted of the Scottish Prison Service’s mobile phones for prisoners project since its introduction in April 2020. All correspondence between the Scottish Prison Service and Scottish Ministers and their Special Advisers regarding prisoner mobile phones. Please provide this ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings contracts s.38(1) s.33(1) s.34(1) s.35(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.20 4 attachments
Published
2023-12-28
Reference
202300358582
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Minutes of meetings between Angus Robertson and Consul General Zhang Biao: FOI release

You asked for the minutes of the meeting between Angus Robertson and Consul General Zhang Biao that was held on 25 May 2023, and briefing materials provided to the Minister.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 14 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.20 6 attachments
Published
2023-12-27
Reference
202300358880
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Police Scotland call handling system: FOI release

A copy of all documents which discuss the Government being made aware of the issue around Police Scotland’s Bilston Glen control room used a fake system for call handling for eight years reported by the BBC on 29th March 2023, including all correspondence involving ministers, Special Advisors and the media office. A co...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.30 s.20 4 attachments
Published
2023-12-27
Reference
202300349598
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence in relation to the early cancellation of Abellio's contract to run ScotRail: FOI release

Correspondence and minutes of meetings between ScotRail senior management, Abellio, Transport Scotland, Transport Secretary Michael Matheson between October and December 2019 in relation to the early cancellation of Abellio's contract to run ScotRail. Correspondence and minutes of meetings between the same partners bet...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 277 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings contracts whatsapp s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.38 8 attachments
Published
2023-12-22
Reference
202200299631
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence between First Minister, Humza Yousaf and Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak since Mr Yousaf became First Minister: FOI release

Provide any and all correspondence between First Minister Humza Yousaf and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak since Mr Yousaf became First Minister on March 28? This might include emails, letters or details/minutes of meetings, telephone calls, SMS/Whatsapp messages between Mr Yousaf and Mr Sunak. Can details/minutes of thei...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.28 s.38(1) s.28(1) s.30 s.39(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-21
Reference
202300364253
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Decision making process surrounding the FMEL ferries: FOI release

On 3 May 2022 John-Paul Marks appeared in front of the Scottish Parliament Finance Committee. He was answering questions on the decision making process surrounding the FMEL ferries. In particular he was asked if the failure to properly keep written records of decision making process was a breach of the law. He stated t...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings contracts s.30 s.33(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-21
Reference
202200298441
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

COVID restrictions in Scotland: FOI release

Copies of the evidence that has been used, and records of decisions, that has insisted on maintaining COVID restrictions on people in Scotland which clearly are not working as England has no restrictions and has a lower rate of infection.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 44 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.25(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-12-20
Reference
202200290545
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Letter sent to University and College principals regarding the toolkit for student sex workers: FOI release

I would like a copy of any document or discussion which directly led to or informed that letter being sent. The letter states that the Toolkit "appears to endorse activity which may be in some scenarios illegal, exploitative and put women at risk of serious harm". On what basis was this assertion made? For example, who...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 64 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2023-12-20
Reference
202200292085
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service regarding Martin Blunden: FOI release

All correspondence between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service regarding former Chief Fire Officer Martin Blunden, limiting the dates of correspondence to 5 January 2022 until 29 March 2022 inclusive.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence s.36(2) s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-12-20
Reference
202200293307
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence regarding proposals to introduce changes to the timetable because of driver shortages: FOI release

Provide a copy of all correspondence between Scottish Government ministers/special advisers/officials and Scotrail about proposals to introduce changes to the timetable because of driver shortages. Please also provide any correspondence between the Scottish Government and the ASLEF or RMT trade unions about pay negoti...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 152 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings contracts s.33(1) s.30 s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.33 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-20
Reference
202200300946
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Immigration enforcement action Kenmure St Glasgow May 2021: FOI release

Correspondence with the UK Government over the immigration enforcement action which took place on 13 May 2021 at Kenmure St Glasgow, any internal correspondence about this immigration enforcement action, and any evaluation report or review of this immigration enforcement action.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.30 s.28 s.25(1) s.28(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) s.1 8 attachments
Published
2023-12-20
Reference
202200294124
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Affordable Housing Supply Programme Coordination Group minutes: FOI release

The Affordable Housing Supply Programme Coordination Group minutes for: Programme Co-ordination Group meeting - 11 November 2021 Programme Co-ordination Group meeting - 14 December 2021 Programme Co-ordination Group meeting - 18 January 2022 Programme Co-ordination Group meeting - 10 February 2022 Programme Co-ordinat...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 38 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.33(2) s.27(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-19
Reference
202300349313
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

ICU beds from Ayr to Crosshouse hospital: FOI release

Copies of communications both internally, and externally between the Scottish Government, NHS Ayrshire and Arran and/or the Scottish Health Council about the transfer of ICU beds from Ayr to Crosshouse hospital. A list of all services that have been transferred, whether on a temporary or permanent basis since January 2...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-12-19
Reference
202300352723
Directorate
Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence with Education Scotland and Registrar of Independent Schools: FOI release

All documentation (emails, meeting notes, correspondence with Education Scotland and Registrar of Independent Schools and the Scottish Ministers and Registrar of Independent Schools, reports etc) around the Registrar's recent (October 2022-May 2023) investigation into George Watson's College.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 4 attachments
Published
2023-12-19
Reference
202300356025
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Prestwick Airport sale: FOI release

Can the Scottish Government provide the number of formal bids for Prestwick Airport that have been made since 2011? Can the Scottish government provide details of any correspondence between Prestwick Airport and the government relating to potential bidders looking to buy the airport since 2011? Can you provide details ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 299 working days over deadline correspondence s.30 s.38(1) s.33(1) 6 attachments
Published
2023-12-19
Reference
202200275241
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

SQA monitoring data: FOI release

In Holyrood on 19/01/2022, the Cabinet Secretary for Education stated this during a debate on the 2022 exam diet: "The action that is being taken by the SQA is the monitoring of the data and if the data determines that further issues need to be addressed by the National Qualifications group then they will do so. "Ther...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 348 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-19
Reference
202200274241
Directorate
Education Reform Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Details of any communication the Scottish Government has had with the Scottish Fire and Rescue service over the suspension of Chief Officer Martin Blunden: FOI release

Details of any communication the Scottish Governement has had with the Scottish Fire and Rescue service over the suspension of the organisation’s Chief Officer Martin Blunden.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.36(2) s.30 s.38(1) 6 attachments
Published
2023-12-19
Reference
202200291002
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Briefings given to Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon MSP and/or Minister Màiri McAllan MSP for the Rural Affairs and Islands portfolio questions on 24 March 2022: FOI release

All Scottish Government briefings given to Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon MSP for the Rural Affairs and Islands portfolio questions on 24 March 2022. All Scottish Government briefings given to Minister Màiri McAllan MSP for the Rural Affairs and Islands portfolio questions on 24 March 2022.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.17(1) 18 attachments
Published
2023-12-19
Reference
202200291612
Directorate
Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic
Public sector